Are you in SHAPE and wanting to change the world but not sure how to start?
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) have combined forces to fund the SHAPE Catalyst programme, with ARC Accelerator as the delivery partner. The new programme will support researchers within these disciplines to develop and bring new products, processes, services and experiences to market.
Enabling commercialisation
This innovative catalyst commercialisation programme is open to UK researchers from the social sciences, arts and humanities.
It will enable them to apply for a unique package of financial and training support to explore commercial applications of their research.
Included in the programme is £2.7 million of funding for commercialisation projects and a further £1.2 million contract with partners the Aspect Research Commercialisation (ARC) Accelerator, run by Aspect, to provide grant holder training and mentoring.
How it will work
At least three rounds of commercialisation funding will be available from a total pot of £2.7 million. Expressions of interest for round one will open in June 2023.
This is open to individuals or teams from UK research organisations with innovative, ambitious social science, arts and humanities-based ideas that can sustain economic or non-economic impact through the commercialisation of research.
There will be up to 25 awards of £50,000 each round to teams or individuals to develop their social science, arts and humanities-based research insights into scalable products, processes, service or experience innovations.
Funding and training
Award holders will receive:
- up to £50,000 from the SHAPE Catalyst programme to fund commercialisation activities
- a virtual training bootcamp, led by industry experts, to develop key entrepreneurial skills
- specialised, sector specific training
- access to key experts who have been there before, including investors and networks
- dedicated mentorship support to help validate their idea, develop the business model, and support their pitch for further funding or investment
Application Process
For Edinburgh Napier academics interested in applying, please first liaise with your School Business Development and Relationship Manager in the first instance.
Deadline for applications: 22 July 2024